A Game for Every Fan: Playoffs Week 2
November 5, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Emotions run high by nature during the football playoffs. But this weekend’s schedule of 11-player District Finals and 8-player Regional Finals is especially charged.
Rivalry games dominate this second round of the postseason as teams that competed for league titles meet again for another trophy – or in the case of Division 8, contenders for an MHSAA title a few years ago find themselves on the field together again.
See below for some of the most intriguing from this week’s list, and follow all weekend on the MHSAA Score Center for results as they come in and updated brackets. Watch as well four games at once Friday on Fox Sports Detroit’s Prep Zone, and catch another marquee matchup live on MHSAA.tv with subscription. All games below are Friday unless noted.
Division 1
Romeo (9-1) at Lapeer (10-0)
Lapeer is 20-1 in two seasons as a program after the merger of the former Lapeer West and East in 2014. Its lone loss was by three in last fall’s District Final to eventual champion Clarkston – and after the Lightning beat Romeo by eight in the playoff opener. Romeo earned this rematch by ending Clarkston’s reign last week, but its defense – giving up a meager 6.5 points per game – should receive its toughest challenge since Lapeer put up 23 last season.
Others that caught my eye: Brighton (9-1) at Grand Ledge (10-0), Hudsonville (7-3) at Rockford (7-3), Ann Arbor Pioneer (7-3) at Saline (9-0), Utica Eisenhower (7-3) at Macomb Dakota (8-2), Saturday.
Division 2
Muskegon (8-2) at Muskegon Mona Shores (10-0), Saturday
This gets higher billing than the matchup below between undefeated teams because it might be the state’s most anticipated game regardless of division. More than 10,000 fans watched Mona Shores’ 21-18 win over the Big Reds in Week 8, and an additional few thousand are anticipated for Saturday’s 5 p.m. kickoff. Last time, Mona Shores jumped out to a 21-3 third-quarter lead before Muskegon came back with two scores during the fourth. This one should stay closer from the start.
Others that caught my eye: Midland Dow (9-1) at Fenton (9-1), Birmingham Groves (10-0) at Walled Lake Western (10-0), Detroit East English (8-2) at Grosse Pointe South (7-3), Southfield (7-3) at Berkley (8-2).
Division 3
Edwardsburg (10-0) at St. Joseph (9-1)
The Eddies already scored one for the Wolverine B Conference over the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference by eliminating Stevensville Lakeshore last week. Now they get SMAC West co-champ St. Joseph, and on the road. The Bears’ only loss this season was to Lakeshore, by a pair of scores in Week 4, but they closed the regular season with three wins over playoff teams over the final month.
Others that caught my eye: Zealand East (7-3) at East Grand Rapids (7-3), St. Johns (7-3) at DeWitt (9-1), Chelsea (9-1) at Trenton (9-1), Vicksburg (8-2) at Coldwater (10-0).
Division 4
Comstock Park (8-2) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern (9-1)
Forest Hills Eastern can take the next step in a record-setting season that’s already seen the Hawks win their most games ever and first in the playoffs – and come within three points of being undefeated. Offense should reign. Forest Hills Eastern runs well and Comstock Park gave up more than 200 yards to Swan Valley’s leading rusher last week, and the Panthers are dangerous throwing and running and could find some gaps in an FHE defense giving up 19 points per game.
Others that caught my eye: Benton Harbor (6-4) at Zeeland West (10-0), Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (8-2) at Richmond (9-1), Big Rapids (7-3) at Remus Chippewa Hills (8-2), Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (9-1) at Detroit Country Day (9-1), Saturday.
Division 5
Lansing Catholic (9-1) at Portland (10-0)
This either will be the first and only loss for a Portland team seeking its second MHSAA championship in four seasons, or final game for a Lansing Catholic group that came within five points of winning Division 5 a year ago – and will graduate University of Minnesota quarterback recruit Tony Poljan. Portland won their regular-season matchup 28-6 in Week 4, but can’t expect the Cougars to repeat an uncharacteristic four turnovers. They’ve both been impressive since; Lansing Catholic entered the postseason with wins over playoff teams Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central by a combined 77-23, while Portland allowed only Marshall to come closer than 22 points and held a record-setting Stockbridge offense to only 18 last week.
Others that caught my eye: Grand Rapids West Catholic (8-2) at Reed City (10-0), Frankenmuth (9-1) at Freeland (10-0), Berrien Springs (9-1) at Buchanan (10-0), Almont (8-2) at Algonac (9-1).
Division 6
Montague (10-0) vs. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (10-0) at Comstock Park
The Wildcats have nearly come all the way back to their former roost among the elite after going 2-7 a year ago. But NorthPointe Christian provides a substantial obstacle as Montague pursues its first District title since 2011. NorthPointe’s only loss in the last 19 games came last season in an MHSAA Semifinal, and it’s giving up only 7.6 points per game.
Others that caught my eye: Sanford Meridian (10-0) at Ithaca (10-0), Jackson Lumen Christi (7-3) at Manchester (9-1), Clinton (10-0) at Madison Heights Madison (9-1), Calumet (8-2) at Boyne City (9-1), Saturday.
Division 7
Flint Beecher (7-2) at New Lothrop (10-0)
Beecher easily is the smallest school on its side of the Genesee Area Conference, the only Class C school in a Red group of otherwise all Class B. This matchup will satisfy some curiosity, as New Lothrop hasn’t lost a game in the Class C-dominated GAC Blue since 2009 – and in Week 8 defeated Flint Hamady 49-0. Beecher just edged Hamady 30-28 to open the playoffs last week.
Others that caught my eye: Saugatuck (10-0) at Pewamo-Westphalia (10-0), Class City (8-2) at Sandusky (10-0), Dansville (9-1) at Homer (8-2), Cassopolis (8-2) at Bridgman (9-1).
Division 8
Muskegon Catholic Central (7-2) at Beal City (9-1), Saturday
One of these two has played in the Division 8 Final the last three seasons, and they met in the 2013 championship game, a 35-12 MCC win. This Crusaders’ team has a much different lineup than the one that won back-to-back championships the last two seasons, but new players gained valuable experience in losses to Division 5 Muskegon Oakridge and Division 4 Detroit Country Day. Beal City has a few who were part of the 2013 loss, setting this up as a potential classic as they seek a different result.
Others that caught my eye: Onekama (9-1) at Frankfort (8-2), Crystal Falls Forest Park (6-3) vs. Bark River-Harris (8-2) at Northern Michigan University's Superior Dome, Ottawa Lake Whiteford (8-2) at Morenci (8-2), St. Ignace (9-1) at Johannesburg-Lewiston (9-1).
8-Player
Lawrence (8-2) at Battle Creek St. Philip (10-0)
St. Philip regained the upper hand on Lawrence in Week 9 after three straight losses – and now has to keep it as the favorite to follow Lawrence as the 8-player champion. St. Philip won that meeting two weeks ago only 47-44 but led by 14 points halfway through the first quarter and by 15 points heading into the fourth. Lawrence obviously can score quickly, meaning this one should again come down to the final minutes.
Other Regional Finals: Rapid River (7-3) at Powers North Central (10-0), Cedarville (8-2) at Posen (10-0), Deckerville (9-1) at Morrice (9-1).
PHOTO: Lapeer has 20 wins over the last two seasons, including against Saginaw Heritage this fall. (Click for more from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
1st & Goal: 2025 Week 3 Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
September 11, 2025
The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and Michigan Sports Writers both released their first state rankings of the season this week, providing their opinions on the top teams in every division.
There are always a few programs that dominate from start to finish. But this season already seems like it could provide an audible.
Consider, of 602 teams playing 11 or 8-player football this fall, only 179 (just under 30 percent) after just two games. And that total is guaranteed to decrease by 28 teams over the next two days as we have that many matchups of unbeatens – several of which are noted below.
Some related food for thought: Although we finished the 2024 regular season with 27 undefeated teams statewide, only Millington and Deckerville hoisted MHSAA Finals championship trophies without taking a loss. We had only two undefeated champions in 2023 as well, but five in 2022.
You'll again have the opportunity to tune into several games this weekend on the NFHS Network. Scores for every game across the state will posted on the MHSAA Scores page as they conclude.
Bay & Thumb
Ithaca (2-0) at Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (2-0)
This matchup determined league championships in both 2022 and 2023, and Ithaca has won 20 straight league games including all five in the Tri-Valley Conference Blue a year ago. MLS gave the Yellowjackets their closest league game (35-14) last fall and is off to a solid start outscoring its first two opponents by a combined 82-8. Ithaca’s is coming off one of the state’s more notable victories of Week 2, 36-7 over Lawton.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Bay City John Glenn (2-0) at Essexville Garber (2-0) WATCH, Durand (2-0) at Montrose (2-0) WATCH, Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central (2-0) at Saginaw Valley Lutheran (2-0) WATCH, Harbor Beach (2-0) at Ubly (1-1) WATCH.
Greater Detroit
Rochester Adams (2-0) at West Bloomfield (2-0) WATCH
Arguably the most competitive league in the state – the Oakland Activities Association Red – begins play with what should be a challenging matchup for both of these opponents. Adams claimed year’s meeting 21-17 on the way to eventually reaching the Division 1 Semifinals, and has a couple of big wins so far this fall over Romeo and Rochester. West Bloomfield has won both of its first two games by 37-0 scores, shutting out Dearborn Fordson and Southfield Arts & Technology.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Birmingham Groves (1-1) at Harper Woods (2-0), Clarkston (1-1) at Oxford (2-0) WATCH, Gibraltar Carlson (2-0) at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (1-1) WATCH, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (2-0) at Warren De La Salle Collegiate (1-1).
Mid-Michigan
Williamston (2-0) at Mason (1-1)
Williamston can finish reversing last season’s 0-3 start with a win over Mason, which won last year’s meeting 34-20. This matchup again kicks off the Capital Area Activities Conference Red schedule, and Mason has won 18 straight league games and the last three Red titles. The Bulldogs fell just short in their comeback attempt last week against DeWitt, but have won six in a row over the Hornets – who have been impressive in revenge wins over Lansing Catholic and Hastings.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY St. Johns (2-0) at Fowlerville (2-0), Midland Dow (2-0) at Mount Pleasant (2-0), Portland (2-0) at Olivet (2-0) WATCH, Northville (2-0) at Howell (2-0) WATCH.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Davison (2-0) at Traverse City Central (2-0)
Davison has dominated these meetings the last three seasons, with three victories all by at least 35 points. But Central also is 2-0 heading into this game for the first time during that run and has scored a combined 96 points in big wins over returning playoff qualifiers Novi and Parma Western. Davison edged Warren De La Salle Collegiate last week 23-21 to avenge a 2024 defeat after opening with a 17-point win over Roseville.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Boyne City (2-0) at Cheboygan (1-1) WATCH, Kalkaska (2-0) at East Jordan (2-0) WATCH, Escanaba (2-0) at Petoskey (1-1) WATCH. SATURDAY Marquette (1-1) at Gaylord (2-0) WATCH.
Southeast & Border
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (2-0) at Jackson Lumen Christi (1-1) WATCH
We featured Lumen Christi in this space last week as well, but it’s hard not to again when the Titans have arguably the toughest nonleague schedule in the state. They’re coming off wins over two 2024 champions – Lombard Montini from Illinois and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep from Division 5 – and now get an opponent that fell just a win shy of also playing for the Division 5 title last season. Grand Rapids Catholic Central is facing its first in-state opponent after earning wins over teams from Illinois and Ontario.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Adrian (2-0) at Chelsea (2-0) WATCH, Blissfield (1-1) at Clinton (1-1) WATCH, Tecumseh (2-0) at Ypsilanti Lincoln (2-0) WATCH, Ann Arbor Huron (1-1) at Dexter (2-0).
Southwest Corridor
Schoolcraft (1-1) at Constantine (2-0)
This is a matchup we circle every season, and it’s easy to explain why. Constantine’s 31-29 win over Schoolcraft a year ago, while its third straight, was the second in a row decided by one score or less, as have been five of their last 12 matchups. Both teams went on to great success last season, Constantine winning a District title and Schoolcraft claiming its Regional. And while the Eagles do have an early loss, it came last week to Division 4 power Hudsonville Unity Christian.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Battle Creek Harper Creek (1-1) at Coldwater (2-0) WATCH, Kalamazoo United (1-1) at Lawton (1-1) WATCH, Three Rivers (2-0) at Otsego (1-1) WATCH, Niles (2-0) at Paw Paw (0-2) WATCH.
Upper Peninsula
Calumet (2-0) at Negaunee (2-0) WATCH
The Western Peninsula Athletic Conference Copper division is among the deepest leagues in northern Michigan, sending four teams to the playoffs last year with two more finishing 4-5. Calumet and Negaunee have been two of the frequent contenders, Negaunee last sharing the league title in 2023 and Calumet most recently in 2021. The Miners won last year’s matchup 29-0 and the last five in the series.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hancock (0-2) at Houghton (0-2) WATCH, Iron Mountain (1-1) at Manistique (1-1) WATCH, Gladstone (0-2) at Kingsford (1-1) WATCH, Ishpeming Westwood (0-2) at Menominee (2-0) WATCH.
West Michigan
Caledonia (2-0) at Hudsonville (2-0) WATCH
These two are among four Ottawa-Kent Conference Red teams that have started 2-0, with three more at 1-1 as league play begins. Grandville and Rockford have especially notable wins among that 1-1 group, and this league race truly could be wide open – which will make every game including this one especially important. Hudsonville last season broke a three-year losing streak against Caledonia, and despite substantial graduations has opened with impressive victories over Byron Center and East Lansing. The Fighting Scots’ 56 points last week against Muskegon Reeths-Puffer were their most since 2023.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Hudsonville Unity Christian (2-0) at Ada Forest Hills Eastern (2-0) WATCH, Grand Rapids West Catholic (1-1) at Grand Rapids South Christian (1-1), East Kentwood (2-0) at Jenison (2-0), Grand Rapids Northview (2-0) at Sparta (2-0).
8-Player
Pickford (2-0) at Newberry (2-0)
Pickford has won the last two Great Lakes Eight Conference East titles, and last year’s run to finishing Division 1 runner-up included a 44-14 win over Newberry. But Newberry already has one victory this season over a team that reached Superior Dome a year ago – 22-20 over reigning Division 2 champion Crystal Falls Forest Park in Week 1 – and last week’s 34-14 victory over Ontonagon also avenged a 2024 loss.
Keep an eye on these FRIDAY Deckerville (2-0) at Bad Axe (2-0) WATCH, Adrian Lenawee Christian (2-0) at Climax-Scotts (1-1), Britton Deerfield (1-1) at Colon (2-0), Concord (2-0) at Mendon (2-0) WATCH.
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PHOTO Ithaca and Lawton players attempt to reel in a pass during the Yellowjackets' Week 2 win. (Photo by High School Sports Scene.)